I might be a bit biased, but I think Baldwin County is one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire state of Alabama. Throughout Baldwin County you can find historic homes and buildings, tons of public parks and some adorable small towns that look straight out of a Hallmark movie. While beachfront towns like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are some of the top destinations in Baldwin County, I want to highlight a few of the county's hidden gems that are perfect if you want to add some fun variety to your photos. These are some of the best Baldwin County photo spots that aren't the beach!
Blakeley State Park
The first Baldwin County location I recommend for photographers is Blakeley State Park. While there is a small fee to enter ($5 for adults and $3 for kids 6-12), it is so worth it! I love Blakeley State Park because of how many different landscapes and backdrops it offers. There are tons of beautiful trees and walking trails all throughout the park that are perfect for photos. One of my favorite areas in the entire park is the bayfront boardwalk - especially if my clients are willing to get in and do some splashing around!
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
One of the most gorgeous photo spots in Baldwin County that also doubles as a popular wedding venue is The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. The Grand Hotel has an absolutely stunning property full of giant oak trees, walking paths, and an amazing bayfront area complete with jetties that make for an epic backdrop. There are tons of unique areas to explore around The Grand Hotel property and capture some beautiful photos. Note that in order to shoot at The Grand Hotel, either you or your client will need to be a guest at the resort.
Bayfront Park in Daphne
For a super romantic location in Baldwin County that's perfect for couple photos, I highly recommend Bayfront Park in the town of Daphne. As the name suggests, Bayfront Park has a number of boardwalks that lead through the forest and overlook the bay. If you pay a visit to Bayfront Park, just make sure to keep an eye out for alligators - you can sometimes spot them from the boardwalks!
Oscar Johnson Park in Silverhill
One of my all-time favorite shooting locations in Baldwin County is Oscar Johnson Park in Silverhill. This park is the perfect photo spot for families and couples who want a super scenic backdrop. Oscar Johnson Park has several acres of woods and a picture-perfect creek that I love to incorporate into photos. The highlight of the park, though, is a charming covered bridge that is the perfect addition to photos!
Downtown Fairhope
The city of Fairhope is without a doubt one of the best photo spots in Baldwin County. Downtown Fairhope offers a great variety of backdrops ranging from fun street art and historic buildings to charming city parks. I love getting to explore downtown Fairhope and finding new corners of the city to photograph because there's always something beautiful to discover!
Fairhope Pier
Another must-visit photo spot in Fairhope is the pier and waterfront area. This is an especially sweet location to take family photos, because the pier offers some super cute opportunities for hand-holding and lots of giggles. Clients always love taking the time to explore the Fairhope pier, and it's one of my top location recommendations for local photographers.
Stedman's Landing
Last, but certainly not least, on my guide to the best Baldwin County photo spots is Stedman's Landing. Stedman's Landing offers gorgeous views of the bay but tends to be more private than other bayfront locations in the county. Stedman's Landing is a super fun area to explore because it has tons of interesting rocks and trees right along the beach, and a gorgeous boardwalk as well.
I hope this Baldwin County locations guide is helpful as you plan your next photo session in the area! Let me know in the comments if I missed any of your favorite Baldwin County photo spots.
xo,
Jessi
If you or someone you know is interested in booking a session, I'd love to work with you! Give me a shout over at www.casaraphoto.com.
(c) Jessi Casara Photography
Jessi is a lifestyle documentary photographer based in southern Alabama, serving the Gulf Coast from Mobile, AL to Pensacola, FL, along with the Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta areas. She specializes in couple, wedding, maternity, newborn and family photography, and also enjoys commercial and creative portraiture. Available for travel worldwide. Find out more at www.casaraphoto.com
